Tag Archives: Primal Scream

Real rebel rockers! – Johnny Marr, The SmithsThe best new band in Manchester! – John Robb, Louder Than War

“Why so serious?” Guitar music doesn’t have to be po-faced; and The Minx’s happy-go-lucky sense of fun makes them spiritual successors to carefree power-poppers Supergrass – and, as pointed out by Steve Lamacq – Buzzcocks and The Undertones.

No Friends is a direct descendant of The Undertones’ My Perfect Cousin – with a youthful spirit and the bounciest Hammond hook you’ll have heard in years.

The crowd favourite has been given a fresh lick of paint by award-winning producer Cenzo Townshend (Florence + The Machine, The Vaccines, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand) for this release.

Stars of a forthcoming documentary on underground music scenes by The Street‘s Mike Skinner (who enthused about them being “modern Skindom!”), and having appeared in Dr Marten’s TV ad campaign, The Minx’s music, look and exuberance go pleasingly against the grain.

The band continue to sell out every increasingly big show they headline, and are heading further afield to play more packed venues around the UK – including a show at the Brixton Windmill on 22nd August – confirmation of their rapid ascent.

Tim will be will be accompanied by musicians from the Chetham’s School of Music, alongside bandmate Mark Collins (The Charlatans) on guitar, Martin Duffy from Primal Scream on keyboards and the musical arrangements have been created especially by the celebrated local composer Joe Duddell. Tim says “We heard about the plans at Manchester Cathedral and it was too good to miss. Such an iconic venue and a brilliant idea for a gig, I love gigs in churches but the Cathedral is another notch up. Normally the atmosphere is helped along by the audience enjoying a drink beforehand. I take it there’ll be some altar wine for everyone.”

The night also includes a one off chance to hear Peter Hook and the Light perform the mesmerising music of Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures,’ to the haunting backing of a 16 piece choir put together specially by Choral Director Greg Batsleer. Hooky’s set is being arranged by film and theatre composer Alex Baranowski. Peter commented “There’s a real detachment from local government in some of these areas. It’s wonderful that local people are being given the opportunity to rise to the challenges. The fact the inspiration for this concert is coming from within these communities is truly awe inspiring. Joy Division’s music is grandiose – just imagine how atmospheric it will sound with those acoustics and the choir.”

Fans of Manchester band Puressence are also in for a treat, listening to the soulful voice of lead singer Jimmy Mudriczki with the choir as part of a full band performance in the 800 year old Cathedral setting.

The line up will be completed by Norway’s Silvert Hoyem and Bad Lieutenant’s Jake Evans, making this an incredible evening of music.

Clare Moreland, the head at Chetham’s School of Music says: “Music for Cities is a superb opportunity for the musicians of Chetham’s to work with some very well known names in the popular music world, sharing their skills and inspiring other young people who are performing and watching the concert.”

Joe Duddell, Professor of Music at Bath Spa University says: “Music enriches all our lives and is not just the preserve of the privileged. For Chets to engage in outreach projects in more disadvantaged communities in and around Manchester and Salford is great. The other charity beneficiaries, United Estates of Wythenshawe and Reclaim directly engage disadvantaged youngsters in creative projects, giving them a vital form of self-expression and keeping them off the streets and away from drugs and gun crime. Some of these youngsters will be performing on stage between the major acts.”

All profits will be split three ways; between the charities Reclaim, and the United Estates of Wythenshawe and Chetham’s School of Music.

Reclaim has won many awards both nationally and locally and is now recognised as one of the core projects delivering quality youth opportunities across Greater Manchester. The project is about helping young people build self confidence and reliance on their own inherent talents that even they may not have realised.

United Estates of Wythenshawe are a charity and social enterprise based who help young people to build opportunity, confidence and sustainable futures that do not involve gang membership, violence or substance abuse.

Chetham’s School of Music will use their share of the profits to help fund their new School Building – an incredible new resource for the city of Manchester where there will be free concerts for the public, a new Outreach and Community Centre to benefit children and adults from all backgrounds and abilities across the region and beyond, and a Music Technology Centre with facilities for everyone too.

Joe Duddell is the composer behind the celebrated collaboration between Elbow and The Hallé for Manchester International Festival back in 2009, and recent broadcast of Richard Hawley & BBC Philharmonic Orchestra on BBC 6 Music. He has also worked with Jimi Goodwin (Doves), James and dubstep pioneers Nero. Joe is also a classical composer with commissions from The BBC Proms.

Alex Baranowski is a film, theatre and dance composer who has worked with the likes of Danny Boyle on Frankenstein, Nicholas Hynter on Hamlet and Ballet Black at The Royal Opera House. Alex recently branched out into the pop world with ‘The xx Symphony’ – a collaboration between The xx and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Within months of forming THE VANGUARDS found themselves recording in The Charlatans’ studio with legendary production duo Dave Tolan and Jim Spencer (Primal Scream, The Charlatans) – the result is Regress – a gritty blast of raw energy blended with a genuine pop melody. It’s a rock/pop hit in the making. THE VANGUARDS’ style of hard edged, sub pop is garnering fans right, left and centre – so much so that Regress became Radcliffe & Maconie’s record of the week, further recognising the bands raw talent.